Fast food restaurant chain KFC filed a lawsuit against three companies in China on Monday, who have allegedly spread untruths online. KFC said its competitors claim the American food giant has used eight-legged GM chickens.

The three firms in China allegedly used social media accounts to
spread fake stories about the food used by KFC (Kentucky Fried
Chicken), the company said in a statement posted on its Chinese
website on Monday.

KFC specializes in fried chicken and is China's biggest
restaurant operator with over 4,600 restaurants. It claimed one
of the prevalent fake stories was about its chicken being
genetically modified. Rumors had it that GM chickens used by KFC
had six wings and eight legs, the company said.

The companies operated accounts on the popular mobile phone app
WeChat. KFC is now seeking an immediate stop to their
infringements, and demands 1.5 million yuan ($242,000) and an
apology from each of the three competitors, AP reported. The case
was accepted by Shanghai Xuhui District People's Court, the
agency added, citing a press officer.

The case filed by KFC comes amid the Chinese government's efforts
to help companies quash malevolent rumors on social media. The
campaign targets internet marketers who try to manipulate public
opinion by deleting critical posts, or spreading false
information about competing firms online on behalf of their
clients.

Ewww. Worms in chicken served at KFC China. Outlet ransacked.
(as received on WhatsApp, date and source unknown) pic.twitter.com/53ITB59aVb

KFC's China CEO praised the authorities' "stepped-up
efforts... to purify the online environment," saying the
government clean-up has "offered us confidence and
weapons," Qu Cuirong said in a statement, as cited by AP.